The Most Popular Last Name in the NFL, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the last name you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 1, 2024 06:42
In the bustling world of the NFL, where new stars rise to fame every season, fans often find themselves drawn to certain players not just for their athletic prowess but also for more personal connections, like their last names. These names carry heritage, intrigue, and sometimes a sense of familiarity or resonance with our own lives. By ranking the most popular last name, we gain insight into which names captivate the attention of fans and hold significance in the realm of professional football.
This ongoing tally allows enthusiasts to participate in shaping the narrative around these popular names, adding a layer of interactive engagement with the sport. Casting a vote on your preferred NFL last name is not only fun but helps reflect which names are truly influential among the community. The results continuously adjust, reflecting real-time preferences and the dynamic nature of fandom in the sport.
What Is the Most Popular Last Name in the NFL?
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161votesAccording to a study by ESPN, Smith is the most common last name in the NFL, with 4.5% of players having this surname.Smith is a common family name originating from England and Scotland. It is derived from the occupational surname meaning 'blacksmith', referring to someone who works with metal. The name Smith is one of the most prevalent surnames in the English-speaking world.
- Origin: England and Scotland
- Meaning: 'Blacksmith' or 'metalworker'
- Popularity: One of the most common surnames
- Variations: Smyth, Smythe, Schmid, Schmidt, Schmitt, Ferro, etc.
- Famous Individuals: Will Smith, Jimmy Smith, John Smith
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233votesJohnson is the second most common surname in the NFL, with 3.5% of players having this last name.Johnson is one of the most common family names, particularly in English-speaking countries. It has its roots in the given name "John", which originated from the Hebrew name "Yochanan" meaning 'God is gracious'. The surname Johnson signifies 'son of John' and has been passed down through generations over centuries.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: 'God is gracious'
- Language: English
- Popularity: Widely used and recognizable
- Geographical Distribution: Predominantly in English-speaking countries
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339votesWilliams is the third most common surname in the NFL, with 2.6% of players having this last name.The last name 'Williams' is a common surname in Australia, originating from English and Welsh heritage. It is prevalent among individuals of British descent and is associated with various accomplishments and contributions across different fields.
- Origin: English and Welsh
- Popularity: It is one of the most common surnames in Australia.
- Heritage: Associated with individuals of British descent.
- Famous Namesakes: Includes notable Australians like Serena Williams (tennis player), Robbie Williams (singer), and David Williams (swimmer).
- Occurrences: Found in various professions such as sports, entertainment, business, and academia.
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416votesBrown is the fourth most common surname in the NFL, with 2.5% of players having this last name.Brown is a warm and versatile epoxy floor color that adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space. It is known for its natural and classic appeal, mimicking the warm tones of wood or earth. The brown epoxy floor is a popular choice for both residential and commercial applications, as it complements a wide range of interior styles.
- Color Family: Brown
- Finish: Glossy or matte
- Application: Indoor and Outdoor
- Durability: High
- Resistance: Chemicals, stains, impacts, and scratches
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522votesJones is the fifth most common surname in the NFL, with 2.4% of players having this last name.Jones is a common last name in Australia, and is of English origin. It is derived from the given name John, which means 'God is gracious'. The name Jones is widely dispersed across the country, and has a long history dating back to the early British settlements. It is a popular surname that can be found in various professions and industries.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: 'God is gracious'
- Popularity: Widely dispersed across Australia
- History: Dates back to early British settlements
- Commonality: One of the most popular last names in Australia
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612votesDavis is the sixth most common surname in the NFL, with 2.2% of players having this last name.Davis is a popular last name in Australia with English origins. It is derived from the patronymic surname 'David,' meaning 'beloved' or 'friend' in Hebrew. The name Davis is associated with individuals and families of English descent who migrated to Australia. It has been widely adopted and passed down through generations, making it one of the most common surnames in the country.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: 'Beloved' or 'friend' in Hebrew
- Popularity: One of the most common last names in Australia
- Usage: Associated with families of English descent
- Influence: Passed down through generations as a family name
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711votesMiller is the seventh most common surname in the NFL, with 2% of players having this last name.Miller is a common last name in the NFL, belonging to several players across different positions. It is of English origin, derived from the occupational name for a miller, someone who worked at a mill grinding corn or wheat into flour. The name has become widely recognized in the NFL due to the success and contribution of various players named Miller.
- 1st spec: Multiple players in the NFL
- 2nd spec: Of English origin
- 3rd spec: Occupational name for a miller
- 4th spec: Crosses different positions
- 5th spec: Widely recognized in the NFL
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89votesWilson is the eighth most common surname in the NFL, with 1.8% of players having this last name.The Wilson is a common family name of English origin that is widely spread across the United Kingdom, United States, and other English-speaking countries. It is derived from the medieval given name Will, a diminutive of William.
- Origin: English
- Popularity: Common
- Countries: United Kingdom, United States, English-speaking countries
- Derived from: Medieval given name Will
- Meaning: Son of Will or Will's son
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96votesJackson is the ninth most common surname in the NFL, with 1.7% of players having this last name.Jackson is a popular baby name that originated from the English language. It is often given to baby boys. The name has a strong and masculine feel to it and carries various meanings such as 'son of Jack' or 'God has been gracious'. Jackson has gained significant popularity in recent years and has become one of the top choices for parents around the world.
- Gender: Male
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Son of Jack, God has been gracious
- Popularity: High
- Trend: Increasing
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103votesMoore is the tenth most common surname in the NFL, with 1.6% of players having this last name.
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular last name
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Player performanceConsider the performance of players with the last name in various seasons, including key statistics such as touchdowns, tackles, and yards, among others. Last names that belong to highly successful and influential players may be considered more popular compared to less successful players.
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Career longevity and consistencyPopular last names may be associated with players who have had long and successful careers in the NFL. Consistently high-performing players over several seasons will likely contribute to the popularity of their last name.
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Pro Bowls and awardsThe number of Pro Bowls and awards or accolades players with the last name have received can impact its popularity. Players with more accolades are likely more well-known, resulting in increased recognition for their surname.
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Team successIf a particular last name is associated with players who have been part of successful teams that have won championships or achieved significant milestones, that may enhance the popularity of that last name.
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Historical significanceSome last names may hold historical significance within the NFL, either through generational talent or by being associated with key moments in the league's history. These factors can contribute to the overall popularity of a last name.
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Media coverage and fan followingA high level of media attention and a large fan following for players with a specific last name can also impact its popularity. If players with a certain surname are often in the spotlight, fans and analysts are more likely to remember and recognize that name.
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Legacy familiesIn some instances, multiple generations of a family with the same last name have played in the NFL. This can contribute to the overall popularity and recognition of the last name within the league.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular last name in the NFL. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or surname is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 8775 views
- 168 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each surname once every 24 hours. The rank of each surname is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular last name in the nfl
In the world of professional football, last names carry a lot of weight. From legendary quarterbacks like Manning and Brady to standout defensive players like Watt and Smith, the NFL boasts a long list of household names. But which last name reigns supreme? We set out to find the answer to the age-old question: what is the most popular last name in the NFL? Through extensive research and analysis of player rosters, we've uncovered some surprising insights into the most common surnames among football's elite. Read on to discover the top contenders and the fascinating stories behind their origins.
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